Starting Avonex tonight. Any words of wisdom?

New diagnosis and before diagnosis
1

Hi everyone,

I’m starting Avonex tonight and I’m just wondering if anyone has any advice to reduce side effects? I have been told to use a cold compress to reduce inflammation at the site of the injection and to drink lots (water -not wine which is a shame!). Anything else I should be doing to help myself?

Thanks so much x

2

How did it go? The normal advice on here is to take two ibuprofen or paracetamol with the injection and then every four hours (max 8 in 24 hours). If two of one kind isn’t enough, try one of each - it’s stronger. If that’s not enough, you can go up to two of each at the same time. Still max of 8 of each in 24 hours though. Hopefully you won’t need very much, or for very long - most people find the side effects wear off after a while. Karen x

3

I normally do my Avonex injection when I get home from work, about 6pm. I take a dose of paracetamol just before I leave work and then another at bedtime. One more dose when I get up in the morning is normally enough. I’ve never had any problems at injection sites, just remember to stick to the outside of the thighs. The diabetic nurse I work with told me that.

Just remember that the first dose is normally the worst for side effects, it does get better, honestly!!

Good luck

Lynne

4

I normally do my Avonex injection when I get home from work, about 6pm. I take a dose of paracetamol just before I leave work and then another at bedtime. One more dose when I get up in the morning is normally enough. I’ve never had any problems at injection sites, just remember to stick to the outside of the thighs. The diabetic nurse I work with told me that.

Just remember that the first dose is normally the worst for side effects, it does get better, honestly!!

Good luck

Lynne

5

Thanks so much for your answers. I was planning on doing the injection around 9pm, as my MS nurse said to do it just before bed. I thought if I did it at 9pm I would have a little bit of time to see if i’m ok before I hit the sack. I’m more concerned about the side effects than the injection, but I must admit it does feel like quite a big step in completely accepting I have MS! xx

6

How did it go?

Are you feeling ok?

Pip

7

Hello, Um I feel pretty rubbish. I had horrendous shakes and pain/severe aching. Have had a duvet day on the sofa with the pup. Must admit I felt quite emotional during the night as the shakes/pain was really quite bad. I’m really thirsty and have headache/aches now so I’m turning in. Hopefully I will wake tomorrow symptom free! Thanks for asking guys- means a lot xx